title: Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for Schistosoma mansoni infection in school children in Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for Schistosoma mansoni infection in school children in Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single stool specimen was collected from 342 school children and examined for S. mansoni ova using Kato-Katz technique (single slide) and formol-ether concentration technique. Positive individuals were treated with a single oral dose of praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight. Egg reduction and cure rates were assessed 4 weeks post-treatment. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect pre-treatment and 24-h post-treatment signs and symptoms to assess side effects of the drug.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Praziquantel reduced the egg rate by 79.46% and achieved a cure rate of 82.89% 4 weeks post-treatment. 86.67% of the children presented at least one transient drug-related sign and symptom 24-h post-treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Praziquantel demonstrated sufficient efficacy against S. mansoni in Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia. Mild and transient signs and symptoms associated with therapy disappeared within 24 h without specific treatment.
authors.affiliation: Gambella National Regional State Health Bureau, Gambella, Ethiopia.
authors.forename: Birehanu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Reta
authors.forename: Berhanu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Erko
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005002:Ethiopia; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000187:drug effects*; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics; D011223:Praziquantel
keywords: Ethiopia; Praziquantel/Distocide; efficacy; schistosomiasis; treatment